Tuesday, July 27, 2010

We have seen more monarchs this year than any other year. We have added lots of coneflowers, zinnia, hydrangea, and rudabeckia for them to enjoy. Inch Worm enjoys watching them flutter through the air.

Monday, July 26, 2010

We added several types of bee balm to the garden last year -- red, white, and a short red variety purchased at plant sales. A purple variety also showed up in the North garden. It seems to be a "weed" around here as I have seen it on the edge of the woods in several spots along the road. I have seen hummingbirds around them, so they are keepers in my garden. Almost all though have developed a little powdery mildew in the fall.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

I can not believe it is time to start collecting seeds already. The poppy seed heads have dried and turned brown, ready to be picked. The seeds I planted from this plant last year reverted back to a smaller simpler poppy than the hybrid, but I really like the simple look of them and will do it again next year. A couple of the columbine a red variety and the william guiness produced their black shiny seeds. What seeds are you collecting for next year?

Monday, July 05, 2010

Visited the UMore Garden today. The master gardeners were busy digging up and dividing irises and I got their extras! He gave me a bag of a pale blue variety. I did some searching on their Iris Garden and there is a variety called Crystal Blue that is light blue, or maybe Honkey Tonk Blues. I love a good mystery plant. Something to look forward to seeing bloom next year.